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Why are my lights flickering? Easy fixes and warning signs

One flickering bulb is usually a simple fix. Flicker all over the house, a burning smell or a warm switch plate is a different story, and it means stop and call for help.

Updated · 6 min read

  • DifficultyEasy
  • Time5–30 minutes
  • If you need helpElectrician

Flickering lights are one of those problems that can mean almost nothing or something serious. Most of the time, it's a bulb that isn't screwed in all the way, an LED bulb that doesn't get along with its dimmer, or a worn-out switch. Those take minutes to fix.

The key is to notice where the flicker is happening. One bulb or one fixture is usually a simple fix. Lights flickering in several rooms, or the whole house, or flicker along with a burning smell or a warm switch, needs a professional right away.

Start with the warning signs below. If none of them apply, work through the easy fixes in order.

Call now if you notice any of these

NFPA and UL Solutions both list warning signs that mean you should call a qualified electrician. Don't try the easy fixes first if you notice:

  • Lights flicker in many rooms or the whole house, especially if they get brighter and dimmer. Call your electric utility first, then an electrician.
  • A burning or rubbery smell near a light, switch, outlet or the panel.
  • A switch plate or outlet that's hot to the touch. UL Solutions notes a switch plate may feel slightly warm, but an outlet should not get uncomfortably hot.
  • Buzzing, crackling or sparks from a switch, outlet or the panel.
  • Breakers that trip often, or a tingle when you touch an appliance.
  • Your home was built from about 1965 to the mid-1970s. The CPSC says homes from this period may have aluminum branch wiring, and lists flickering lights and hot faceplates among its warning signs.

What you'll need

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Check the bulb first

A loose bulb is the most common reason a single light flickers, and the easiest to fix.

  1. Turn the light off. Let the bulb cool for a few minutes if it's been on.
  2. Tighten it. Turn the bulb clockwise gently until it's snug. Don't force it.
  3. Test it. Turn the light back on and watch.
  4. Swap it. If it still flickers, try a new bulb, or move the bulb to a lamp you know works. If the bulb flickers there too, the bulb is bad.

Check if the LED matches the dimmer

This is a very common cause of flicker in homes that have switched to LED bulbs. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that LEDs are not compatible with all dimmer controls designed for incandescent lamps. The result can be flicker, buzzing or lights that won't dim smoothly, especially at low settings.

  1. Read the bulb package. Make sure every bulb on a dimmer says it is dimmable. Non-dimmable LEDs on a dimmer are a common source of trouble.
  2. Check the dimmer. Older dimmers were made for incandescent bulbs. Many bulb and dimmer makers publish lists of models they've tested together.
  3. Match the bulbs. Use the same brand and model for every bulb on one dimmer.
  4. Try full brightness. If the flicker only happens when dimmed low, the bulb and dimmer probably aren't a good match. A dimmer rated for LEDs often solves it.

Replacing a dimmer is the same kind of job as replacing a switch. See how to replace a light switch, and follow the dimmer maker's instructions.

Check the switch

If wiggling the switch makes the light flicker, or the switch feels loose, crackles or works only some of the time, the switch is likely worn out.

  1. Watch while you press. Flip the switch on and press gently on the toggle. Flicker when you touch it points to the switch.
  2. Check the plate. Feel the plate. If it's warm on a regular switch, stop and call an electrician.
  3. Replace it. A worn standard switch can be replaced. Turn off the breaker and confirm power is off with a non-contact voltage tester first.

Notice when it happens

If lights dim or flicker briefly when a big appliance starts, like an air conditioner, washer, space heater or microwave, UL Solutions says the cause is usually that high-draw appliance on the same circuit. A quick dip that doesn't get worse may be normal for your home. If it's frequent, getting worse or happens across the house, have an electrician look at your circuits and panel.

When to call a pro

Call a licensed electrician if:

  • Any of the warning signs above are present.
  • A new bulb and a matched dimmer didn't fix it.
  • A fixture flickers no matter what bulb you use, which may mean a loose connection inside the fixture.
  • Flicker happens in more than one room, or it's getting more frequent.
  • Your utility checked their side and the whole-house flicker continues.

Electrical work rules and permits vary by city and county. Renters should report flicker to the landlord right away, and call the utility or 911 in an emergency. Not sure? Try our fix it or call a pro quiz.

Keep it from happening again

  • Buy dimmable LED bulbs for any light on a dimmer, and keep the same model throughout a fixture.
  • Don't run space heaters and other high-power appliances on the same circuit as important lighting.
  • Take any burning smell or warm switch seriously, every time.
  • Label your breaker panel so you can cut power fast. Our guide to reading your breaker panel helps.

Common questions

Why do my LED lights flicker on a dimmer?

Many LED bulbs don't work smoothly with older dimmers made for incandescent bulbs. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that LEDs are not compatible with all dimmer controls designed for incandescent lamps. Use bulbs labeled dimmable, and check the dimmer or bulb maker's compatibility list.

Why do my lights dim when the air conditioner or washer starts?

UL Solutions explains that dimming or flickering usually comes from a high-power appliance on the same circuit, not the light fixture. A brief dip can be normal, but if it's frequent or getting worse, ask an electrician about putting big appliances on their own circuits.

Are flickering lights dangerous?

A single loose or mismatched bulb isn't. But NFPA lists flickering or dimming lights among the warning signs to call a qualified electrician, especially along with a burning smell, warm outlets or frequent breaker trips.

Who do I call if every light in the house flickers?

Start with your electric utility, since the problem may be on their equipment. If they find their side is fine, call a licensed electrician to check your panel and main connections.

Sources

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